Emotions can cause physical symptoms, such as muscle tension or pain. When these symptoms are persistent, it may feel as though emotions are trapped in the body.
According to Medical News Today, while the idea of emotions being physically trapped in the body is not proven in research, some people report experiencing a release, or catharsis, when they express difficult or long-held feelings, or when they engage in mind-body therapies, such as yoga.
It is well-established that emotions affect the body as well as the mind. If a person has persistent or unresolved feelings that cause physical symptoms, they may feel as though these emotions are trapped or stuck.
For example, people can feel stress as muscle tension, nervousness as butterflies in the stomach, or heartbreak in their chest.
These emotions may be something a person is aware of, or they could be subconscious, meaning they are outside a person’s awareness. If they are subconscious or difficult to manage, they may continue affecting the body.
The exact mechanism behind this is still unclear, but scientists believe it is due to how the brain and nervous system process emotions.
Emotions can cause many sensations in the body. For difficult emotions, this could include:
• Muscle tension or tightness.
• A feeling of heaviness or tiredness.
• A “lump” or choking sensation in the throat aching or pain.
• Nausea or “knots” in the stomach.
Sometimes, releasing or expressing emotions comes easily. For example, if a child falls down, they may cry due to the pain or shock, but then recover.
In other situations, expressing feelings is more difficult. This can be for a variety of reasons. A person may feel shame or guilt about their emotions or what caused them. Alternatively, they might be afraid of their feelings, or simply be unaware of them.
A qualified therapist can help someone work through these difficulties. Some therapists work specifically with body-based approaches, which means they focus on the body as well as the mind.
You can also try:
Meditation: Meditation can help bring awareness to how a person feels, physically or emotionally. A 2022 study of 108 veterans found that a 10-week program of mind-body skills, including meditation, reduced symptoms more effectively than standard treatment.
Exercise: For some people, exercise is a source of catharsis. Some use exercise to “burn off” nervous energy or to express anger in a safe way.
If you have concerns about your mental health, or if you have unexplained physical symptoms, speak with a doctor or therapist for advice.
